On Nov 20, 8:57*am, vic20owner wrote:
Dumb beginner question follows:

I am just starting out flying gliders.... * Here in the USA it seems
nobody wears a parachute unless they are contest flying or doing
aerobatics. *However, I generally do like knowing that I have a backup
plan and a parachute seems reasonable. *I suppose a history of cave
diving has made me sensitive to accident possibilities. *I realize
flying is very safe but gliders tend to fly in circles near each
other.

Would it be premature to buy and wear a parachute while still taking
lessons, or would I quickly become the club's private joke?

thanks

Depends on the club culture. Also, it's considered poor taste to be
the only occupant of an aircraft wearing a parachute so while taking
instruction you'd need 2. Maybe the club already has a couple chutes
that are only worn for aerobatics and you can ask to use them for
regular instructional flights. Might raise some eyebrows. Once you
are near to solo I'd say go for it and get yourself a chute and learn
how to use it. With a background in cave diving I'd say your risk
management thinking is probably more developed than most regular
humans pilots included! My personal experience indicates that the
best place to shop for parachutes is http://www.silverparachutes.com/.
Whether you can afford new or used you will get the best service from
Alan. Beware the killer deal on a used chute from anyone else.

Now you really want to raise eyebrows? Ask about parachutes in
powered general aviation. They will think you are a loony (unless
it's aerobatics) in which case they will really think you are a loony.

Matt Michael